Customized, wearable 3D printed articles and methods of manufacturing same

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to three dimensional (3D) printed garments and any wearable article, as well as to processes and methods of manufacturing the same. Image information obtained from a subject, for example, images and information related to a subject&#39;s body or body part(s) is used to generate a garment or wearable object with a customized fit. In particular, the present invention provides the collection of a subject&#39;s data (e.g., using image acquisition devices, methods and software), and use of the data to create a model (e.g., virtual model) that in turn is used to create a subject specific article of clothing or other wearable object.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to three dimensional (3D) printed garmentsand any wearable article, as well as to processes and methods ofmanufacturing the same. Image information obtained from a subject, forexample, images and information related to a subject's body or bodypart(s) is used to generate a garment or wearable object with acustomized fit. In particular, the present invention provides thecollection of a subject's data (e.g., using image acquisition devices,methods and software), and use of the data to create a model (e.g.,virtual model) that in turn is used to create a subject specific articleof clothing or other wearable object.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wearing a garment that does not fit properly may not only beembarrassing it often causes skin irritation, rash and chaffing, or evenpoor performance (e.g., for individuals engaged in an activity (e.g.,sports, military operation, etc.). For example, those that participatein contact sports often wear pads or other types of protective gear(e.g., shin guards, mouth guards, helmets, etc.) that protect the wearerfrom physical contact with others or the environment. To date, obtainingprotective gear specifically customized to fit a single individual hasnot been available.

Similarly, there are many types of garments and wearable clothing thatrequire a nearly perfect fit, for example, a mask or respiratory worn ina setting to prevent spread of infectious disease, a piece of lingerieor body armor (e.g., a bullet proof vest). While these articles come inmany different sizes, it is often the case that there is not a sizeavailable that properly fits a specific individual (e.g., theindividual's body or portion thereof is too big or too small to fitproperly into the closest available size). For example, today'sintimates/lingerie market is predominately geared towardsproportionately sized women. That is, most lingerie is made in sizessmall, medium, and large. For women who are proportionately sizedaccording the lingerie manufacturer's standards, finding well-fittinglingerie may not be a problem. However, there are great number of womenwho do not fit within the confines of the manufacturer's sizingstandards.

To date, custom fit wearable objects/garments have either not beenavailable or the cost associated with obtaining the same has been costprohibitive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to three dimensional (3D) printed garmentsand any wearable article as well as to methods of manufacturing same.Image information derived from a subject's data, for example images andinformation related to a subject's body or body part(s) is used in thegeneration of a garment or wearable object with a customized fit. Inparticular, the present invention provides the collection of a subject'sdata (e.g., using image acquisition devices, methods and software), anduse of the data to create a model (e.g., virtual model) that in turn isused to create a subject specific article of clothing or other wearableobject.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the invention provides systems and/ormethods of manufacturing a customized wearable article. In oneembodiment, the system and/or method comprises providing a subject;obtaining image data regarding the subject's body or portion(s) thereof;creating a virtual image of the subject using the image data; selectinga virtual article from an article set, or creating a virtual article,using a creation tool; customizing the article utilizing the creationtool and the virtual image; and printing the article using a threedimensional (3D) printer. The invention is not limited by the type ofsubject. Indeed, systems, methods and articles of manufacture describedherein may be utilized and/or worn by any subject including, but notlimited to, humans, animals, inanimate objects and other subjectsdescribed herein. In like manner, the invention is not limited by thetype of article. Articles of the invention include, but are not limitedto, garments and other types of wearable articles/objects (e.g., thatare worn on a subject's body) such as shirts, pants, vests, dresses,underwear, vests, suits, jackets, skirts, shoes, hats, glasses and/orglass frames, belts, athletic equipment (e.g., pads, guards, helmets,masks, and the like), masks or respirators (or portions thereof),diapers, mouth guards, armor, or other type of wearable objectsdescribed herein. Articles may be made of only one type of material, or,multiple (e.g. 2-10, 10-20, 20-30, 30-40, 40-50, 50-60, 60-70, 70-80,80-90, 90-100, or more) types of material (e.g., in one or more layers,multiple types of materials printed in an intertwined manner, etc.). Thecustomized, wearable articles may be a perfect fit or they may begenerated in a size that enhances or reduces the physical appearance ofa subject's body or body part(s). The obtaining image data regarding thesubject's body or portion(s) thereof can be obtained by a variety ofmethods including, but not limited to, use of a 3D scanner or other typeof recording device described herein. For example, non-limiting examplesof recording devices include a camera (e.g., digital camera), videorecorder (e.g., digital video recorder), structural capture camera, ordesign tool known in the art to capture information (e.g., shape, scale,dimensions, color, etc.) related to a subject (e.g., a subject's body orportion(s) thereof). In addition, a design tool (e.g., including, butnot limited to, 123D Catch (AUTODESK, Inc.); Relievos; Youspin,Dermendar, etc.) can be used to capture data/information (e.g., shape,scale, dimensions, color, etc.). The invention is also not limited bythe type of virtual image of the subject created. Indeed, multiple typesof virtual images find use in the invention including, but not limitedto, three dimensional (3D) surface images, spin images (e.g., 360 degreehorizontal image, 360 degree vertical image, or a combination thereof(e.g., with subject being the target in the middle of the image)), orother type of virtual image described herein. In one embodiment, thevirtual image is utilized to generate custom sizing information (e.g.,specific dimensions and measurements of the part or parts of the objectare determined using the virtual image). In another embodiment, thecustom sizing information is utilized to generate customizedarticles/objects described herein. For example, image data (e.g., shape,size, scale and/or dimension) from the virtual image can be used (e.g.,by a design tool) to customize (e.g., the size, shape, thickness, etc.)an article from an article/object set or to create a new article/object.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides systems andmethods that permit a user to create a customized object/article locally(e.g., using means described herein for capturing subjectdata/information, transfer and/or downloading of the subjectdata/information (e.g., regarding a subject's body or portion(s)thereof) to a local pc, means described herein for converting thesubject data/information into a virtual image (e.g., using computeraided design software (e.g., AUTOCAD, RAPIDWORKS, SOLIDWORKS or similarsoftware described herein)) to create a virtual image on the local pc),means of using the virtual image to create a customized, virtualarticle/object on the local pc (e.g., using a software/creation tool onthe local pc (e.g., that permits creating an article/object and/or forselecting an article/object from a list and customizing thearticle/object based upon the virtual image), sending the virtualarticle/object to a local printer (e.g., connected directly to the localpc), printing the article/object and subsequently enjoying the abilityto use (e.g., wear) the article/object (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 ). Inone embodiment, capturing subject data/information is performed using a3D scanner that generates a virtual image (e.g., a 3D virtual image(e.g., AUTOCAD, SOLIDWORKS or other type of electronic 3D image)) of thesubject data/information (e.g., regarding a subject's body or portion(s)thereof (e.g., the 3D scanner captures subject data/information andgenerates a virtual image (e.g., a 3D virtual image (e.g., AUTOCAD,SOLIDWORKS or other type of electronic 3D image)))).

In some embodiments, the invention provides systems and methods thatpermit a user for to create a customized object/article (e.g., usingmeans described herein for capturing subject data/information, transferand/or downloading of the subject data/information (e.g., regarding asubject's body or portion(s) thereof) to a remote data server, meansdescribed herein for converting the subject data/information into avirtual image (e.g., use of AUTOCAD, RAPIDWORKS, SOLIDWORKS or similarsoftware described herein to create a virtual image on the remote dataserver) or means of transferring a captured 3D virtual image (e.g.,using a 3D scanner) to a remote data server, means of using the virtualimage to create a customized, virtual article/object (e.g., using asoftware/creation tool (e.g., that permits creating an article/objectand/or for selecting an article/object from a list and customizing thearticle/object based upon the virtual image), sending the virtualarticle/object to a printer (e.g., local and/or remote printer (e.g.,connected via the internet), printing of the article/object (e.g.,locally or remotely), and if printed remotely, shipping of thearticle/object (e.g., to a subject and/or specific location).

In some embodiments, the system includes a software/creation toollocated on a server and/or computer (e.g., retailer/developer serverand/or computer used by retailers and/or individual developers ofarticle/objects to create a computer-readable script (e.g., encoding thevirtual article/object), described herein, for the customizablearticle/object. In some embodiments, the software/creation toolcomprises a program that runs on the developer's/retailer's computer, alocal pc (e.g., as described above), or on a server (e.g., a dataserver) connected (e.g., via a network (e.g., the internet)) todeveloper's/retailer's computer. In some embodiments, the systemcomprises a data server that contains subject virtual image storage,virtual article/object storage, script storage, developer/retailerinterface and/or a web server interface. In some embodiments, thesoftware/creation tool interfaces with the data server via an interface(e.g. a retailer and/or developer interface), whereas a subject desiringobject/article (e.g., an end user of the system) can use subject'scomputer to interface with the data server via the internet and webserver interface.

In some embodiments, the system includes a print/order management serverthat receives and/or processes computer-readable script (e.g.,print/order management server receives and processes script encoding thevirtual article/object (e.g., created by user and/or customized by userusing article/object from a list) and sends instructions to printer(s)via a printer interface to print article/object). In some embodiments,the print/order management server stores script encoding the virtualarticle/object in script storage. In one embodiment, a subject desiringobject/article (e.g., an end user of the system) interfaces with systemvia the internet and web server interface. In one embodiments, aprint/order management server interfaces with a retailer via retailerinterface. The invention is not limited by the type or kind of retailer.Indeed, a retailer may be an existing retail company (e.g., AMAZON,TARGET, MACY'S, COSTCO, etc.), printing company (e.g. STRATASYS, Inc.,MARK FORG3D, HEWLETT-PACKARD, Inc., MAKERBOT, Inc., 3D-SYSTEMS, Corp.,The EXONE Company, VOXELJET AG, GROUP GORGE, Inc., CAMTEK LTD., ORGANOVOHoldings, Inc.), computer company (e.g., APPLE, MICROSOFT, IBM, DELL,etc.), or other company (e.g., that provides or desires to providecomponents of, or all of, the systems, methods and customized wearablearticles of the invention). In one embodiment, the retailer is acombination of two or more retailers (e.g., a combination of AMAZON,STRATASYS, and MICROSOFT) that collectively provide the systems, methodsand customized wearable articles of the invention).

In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of generating imagedata regarding the subject's body or portion(s) thereof, image datagenerated using the method, and methods of using the image data in aprocess for manufacturing customized wearable garments and/or objects.The invention is not limited by a particular method of generating theimage data. In one embodiment, the image data is captured using a 3Dscanner. The invention is not limited by the type of 3D scanner used. Inone preferred embodiment, any 3D scanner that is useful for creating apoint cloud of geometric samples on the surface of a subject's body orportion(s) thereof may be used, with the resulting points used toextrapolate the shape of the subject's body or portion(s) thereof (e.g.,the points are used to electronically reconstruct the subject's body orportion(s) thereof). In one embodiment, the 3D scanner is a contact 3Dscanner. In another embodiment, the 3D scanner is a non-contact 3Dscanner. In one embodiment, a non-contact 3D scanner is an activescanner. In another embodiment, the non-contact 3D scanner is a passivescanner. In one embodiment, multiple scans of a subject's body orportion(s) thereof are performed (e.g., and brought into a commonreference system (e.g., aligned or registered) and subsequently merged(e.g., to create a virtual model (e.g., in a 3D scanning pipelineprocess). Exemplary contact and non-contact 3D scanners are describedherein. However, the invention is not limited to any particular 3Dscanner. Indeed, any 3D scanner finds use in the invention. For example,in one embodiment, 3D gesture recognition and scanning technology (e.g.,created by PRIMESENSE) is utilized. In another embodiment, the imagedata is captured using a traditional camera (e.g., digital camera, videorecorder, structural capture camera, etc. (with a cone-like field ofview that collects information about the surface of a subject's body orportion(s) thereof)). In a further embodiment, when a traditional camerais used, information about the surface of a subject's body or portion(s)thereof is converted into a virtual 3D image.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of obtaining a 3Dvirtual image of the surface of a subject's body or portion(s) thereofusing a 3D scanner and subsequently using the 3D virtual image in aprocess for manufacturing customized wearable garments and/or objects.In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of obtaininginformation about the surface of a subject's body or portion(s) thereofusing a camera (e.g., digital camera, video recorder, structural capturecamera, etc. (with a cone-like field of view that collects informationabout the surface of a subject's body or portion(s) thereof)),converting the collected information into a 3D virtual image of thesurface of a subject's body or portion(s) thereof, and using the 3Dvirtual image in a process for manufacturing customized wearablegarments and/or objects. In another embodiment, the 3D virtual image isutilized to generate sizing information (e.g., specific dimensionsand/or measurements of the subject's body or portion(s) thereof aredetermined using the virtual image). In one embodiment, the sizinginformation is utilized in order to manufacture a garment, or otherwearable object described herein, that fits a subject's body orportion(s) thereof in a desired way (e.g., that is customized, using thesizing information, to fit the dimensions of a subject's body orportion(s) thereof).

In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of manufacturing agarment, or other wearable object described herein, comprising usingsizing information (e.g., specific dimensions and/or measurements of asubject's body or portion(s) thereof) determined using a virtual imageof the subject's body or portion(s) thereof, identifying (e.g., from anestablished list of items or generating de novo using a create tool) avirtual garment or other wearable object to be manufactured, running aprocess (e.g., in a software and/or firmware component of a computer)that configures the dimensions of the virtual garment or other wearableobject to conform to the sizing information (e.g., that is customized tothe sizing information), electronically sending (e.g., via local networkor via the internet) the configured virtual garment or other wearableobject to a 3D printer, and printing the garment. In one embodiment, the3D printed garment is worn as printed. In another embodiment, the 3Dgarment/object is further processed (e.g., material is added to orremoved from the printed garment/object) prior to wearing. For example,in one embodiment, after printing, a garment/object may be altered by aprocess such as trimming, sewing, affixing, tagging, painting, stickingor other process described herein. For example, in an embodiment whereinonly a portion of a wearable article/garment is printed using thecompositions and methods of the invention, additional material may beadded to the printed article/garment post printing (e.g., glass lensesmay be added to glass frames generated according to the invention, afilter may be added to a respirator generated according to theinvention, a logo may be added to a shirt or vest generated according tothe invention, a closing means (e.g., hook and eye, VELCRO, zipper, tie,etc.) may be added post generating a bra of the invention, etc.).

The invention is not limited by the type of 3D printer used to print agarment or other type of object described herein. Indeed, a variety of3D printers find use in the invention including, but not limited to, aprinter manufactured, designed, and/or sold by STRATASYS, Inc., MARKFORG3D, HEWLETT-PACKARD, Inc., MAKERBOT, Inc., 3D-SYSTEMS, Corp., TheEXONE Company, VOXELJET AG, GROUP GORGE, Inc., CAMTEK LTD., ORGANOVOHoldings, Inc., or any other printer known in the art or describedherein. In one embodiment, the 3D printer utilized is one that mixesmaterials while printing (e.g., prints an object/garment with two ormore materials (e.g., plastic, rubber, carbon fiber, metal, etc.)). In afurther embodiment, the 3D printer prints an object/garment with two ormore materials intertwined (e.g., in order to change the look, feel,rigidity, and/or elasticity of the object/garment).

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a process flow diagram of an exemplary method of how a usermay interact with the systems and methods of the invention in order togenerate a customized article/object of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic outline of a networked system for use withcustomized manufacturing processes of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows a process flow diagram illustrating an example of how auser may interact with the systems and methods of the invention in orderto generate a customized article/object of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to three dimensional (3D) printed garmentsand any wearable object as well as to methods of generating andmanufacturing same. Image information derived from a subject's data, forexample, images of a subject's body or body parts, is used in thegeneration of a garment or other wearable article with a customized fit.In particular, the present invention provides the collection of asubject's data (e.g., using image acquisition devices, methods andsoftware) and use of same to create a model (e.g., virtual model) thatin turn is used to create a subject specific article of clothing orother wearable material.

The invention utilizes 3D printer technology to create unique, customfit garments and other types of wearable articles/objects. Inparticular, the invention provides heretofore unavailable methods ofmanufacturing customized, wearable garments or other type ofarticles/objects described herein, as well as the customized, printedgarments and/or wearable articles/objects. The terms “wearable object,”“wearable article,” “garments” and the like as used herein refer toitems that are worn on a subject's body, thought of both in atraditional sense as articles of clothing (e.g., shirts, pants, vests,dresses, underwear, vests, suits, jackets, skirts, etc.), as well asarticles/objects that may not be traditionally thought of as articles ofclothing but that may nevertheless be worn on a subject's body such asshoes, hats, athletic equipment (e.g., pads, guards, helmets, masks, andthe like), respirator masks, diapers, mouth guards, armor, or other typeof wearable objects described herein. Indeed, the terms article, objectand garment are meant to include any article of manufacture that asubject (e.g., human, animal (e.g., dog, horse, cat, etc.) may wear orbe made to wear. Utilizing the methods of the present invention, acustomized, wearable object may be generated and worn by a subject onceand discarded, or, may be worn multiple (e.g. 2-10, 10-20, 20-30, 30-40,40-50, 50-60, 60-70, 70-80, 80-90, 90-100, or more) times before thesubject no longer finds use for the wearable object (e.g., the object isthrown out, recycled, or provided to another subject to wear). Wearablearticles generated and worn, once or multiple times, according to theinvention are described in detail herein.

In some embodiments, each step of the manufacturing process is performedat one location (e.g., within a retail store (e.g., located in a mall orshopping center), in a subject's home, etc.). In other embodiments, oneor more steps of the process are performed in one location while othersteps are performed at a second, third, fourth, or more locations. Forexample, in some embodiments, the step of obtaining image data isperformed at a first location (e.g., within a subject's home (e.g.,using a 3D scanner or camera and software for acquiring images of thesubject's body and/or body part(s)), the step of utilizing the imagedata to create a virtual image of the subject is performed at the firstor a second location, utilizing the virtual image to generate customsizing information for garment or wearable article is performed at thefirst, second or third location, the step of sending sizing informationto printer and instructing the printer to print the garment or wearablearticle is performed at the first, second, third or fourth location, andthe printing of the wearable article takes place at the first, second,third, fourth or fifth location.

Thus, in some embodiments, the invention provides methods ofmanufacturing a customized, wearable object. In other embodiments, theinvention provides customized, wearable objects (e.g., generatedaccording to methods described herein). As shown in FIG. 3 , in someembodiments, a method of manufacturing a customized, wearable objectcomprises providing a subject (e.g., human, animal or other livingsubject) and obtaining image data regarding the subject's body orportion(s) thereof. In further embodiments, once image data regardingthe subject's body or portion(s) thereof is obtained (e.g., using arecording device described herein), the image data is utilized to createa virtual image of the subject. In other embodiments, image dataregarding the subject's body or portion(s) thereof is captured using a3D scanner which also generates a virtual image of the subject's body orportion(s) thereof. The invention is not limited by the type of virtualimage created. Indeed, multiple types of virtual images find use in theinvention including, but not limited to, three dimensional (3D) surfaceimages, spin images (e.g., 360 degree horizontal image, 360 degreevertical image, or a combination thereof (e.g., with subject being thetarget in the middle of the image)), or other type of virtual imagedescribed herein. Upon creation of a virtual image, in some embodiments,the virtual image is utilized to identify a part or parts of the subjectupon which a garment or wearable article described herein is to be worn.In another embodiment, a 3D scanner is used to scan only that portion ofa subject's body or portion(s) thereof upon which an article or garmentis to be worn. Alternatively, in some embodiments, a 3D scanner is usedto scan a larger portion of a subject's body or portion(s) thereof uponwhich an article or garment is to be worn, and the resulting image dataof the 3D scan is modified (e.g., trimmed, aligned, cut) to result in avirtual image of only that portion of the subject's body upon which anarticle or garment is to be worn. Once the part or parts of the subjectupon which a garment or wearable article is to be worn is identified, insome embodiments, the virtual image is utilized to generate customsizing information (e.g., specific dimensions and measurements of thepart or parts of the subject are determined using the virtual image).The custom sizing information is then utilized, in some embodiments, togenerate customized, wearable articles described herein (e.g., usingcustom sizing information generated from the virtual image, a wearablearticle/object is created in a first, virtual sense (e.g., using acomputer and/or software a wearable article/object is virtually createdand then sent to a printer (e.g., a 3D printer described herein) uponwhich the customized, wearable article/object is printed). In someembodiments, the systems and methods of the invention utilize a creationtool (e.g., software that is located locally on a user's computer, or,software that is located remotely on a provider's/developer's computer)that allows a user to select a generic article/item from a list ofarticles/items in order to create a computer simulated/virtual wearableobject/article (e.g., that is customized (e.g., size, shape, materials,layering of materials, etc.) using the creation tool). In someembodiments, the virtual wearable article/object is viewed on thevirtual image prior to printing. The custom sizing information and/orthe virtual wearable object/article may be stored (e.g., locally orremotely (e.g., in a memory component of a computer) for later use. Aprinter (e.g., 3D printer described herein) utilized to print acustomized, wearable article may be a local printer (e.g., within thesame site (e.g., building) as a computer upon which virtual image,custom sizing information and/or virtual wearable article/object islocated) or it may be at a remote location (e.g., a different site(e.g., different building, different city, different state, or adifferent country) where the printer receives the custom sizinginformation and/or virtual wearable article/object information forprinting. The invention is not limited by the type of printer utilizedto print a wearable object of the invention. Indeed, any printer capableof printing wearable objects/articles of the invention and known in theart may be utilized. In some embodiments, if the printer is a localprinter, the subject will have the wearable object/article for immediateuse. In other embodiments, if the printer is a remote printer, thewearable object/article is mailed to the subject or picked up. Thus, theinvention provides systems and methods for creating a subject specificwearable article of clothing or other wearable object described herein.

The invention is not limited to any particular subject. Indeed, thesystems, methods and articles of manufacture described herein may beutilized by any subject regardless of age, size, and gender. Moreover,while human subjects are preferred users of systems, methods andarticles of manufacture of the invention, in other preferredembodiments, an animal (e.g., domesticated animal (e.g., a pet)) mayalso utilize and/or benefit from systems, methods and articles ofmanufacture of the invention (e.g., as described herein, informationrelated to an animal's body or portion thereof may be captured,converted into a virtual, digital file and/or model, a customized,wearable article created and/or identified, printed and subsequentlyworn by the animal). In some embodiments, the subject is an inanimateobject (e.g., vehicle (e.g., car, truck, ATV, etc.), boat, snowmobile,ski or pair of skis, trailer, gun, tool, power tool, helmet, etc.) forwhich an article or object is made using the systems and methodsdescribed herein, to hold or cover (e.g., partially or completely).

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the invention provides systems andmethods for manufacturing a customized wearable object comprisingproviding an inanimate object (e.g., a car) and obtaining image dataregarding the object or portion(s) thereof. Once image data regardingthe object or portion(s) thereof is obtained (e.g., using a recordingdevice described herein), the image data is utilized to create a virtualimage of the object or portion thereof. Upon creation of a virtualimage, in some embodiments, the virtual image is utilized to identify apart or parts of the object upon which an object or article describedherein will be placed (e.g., on the grill, over the entire car, etc.).Once the part or parts of the object upon which an object or article isto be placed is identified, in some embodiments, the virtual image isutilized to generate custom sizing information (e.g., specificdimensions and measurements of the part or parts of the object aredetermined using the virtual image). The custom sizing information isthen utilized, in some embodiments, to generate customizedarticles/objects described herein (e.g., using custom sizing informationgenerated from the virtual image, a wearable article/object is createdin a first, virtual sense (e.g., using a computer and/or software anarticle/object is virtually created and then sent to a printer (e.g., a3D printer described herein) upon which the customized article/object isprinted). In some embodiments, the virtual article/object is viewed onthe virtual image prior to printing. The custom sizing informationand/or the virtual object/article may be stored (e.g., locally orremotely (e.g., in a memory component of a computer) for later use. Aprinter (e.g., 3D printer described herein) utilized to print acustomized article/object may be a local printer (e.g., within the samesite (e.g., building) as a computer upon which virtual image, customsizing information and/or virtual article/object is located) or it maybe at a remote location (e.g., a different site (e.g., differentbuilding, different city, different state, or a different country) wherethe printer receives the custom sizing information and/or virtualarticle/object information for printing).

Once a subject (e.g., human, animal, or other type of subject describedherein) is identified, systems and methods of the invention are utilizedto acquire image data/information regarding the subject (e.g., thesubject's body or portion(s) thereof). The invention is not limited bythe type of device utilized to acquire image data/information. In someembodiments, the invention utilizes any device that is capable ofacquiring the appearance and/or shape of the subject. Thus, in someembodiments, once a subject is provided, a device is utilized to capturesurface features (e.g., shape, size, dimensions, appearance, etc.) ofthe subject (e.g., a disrobed subject). In one embodiment, a 3D scanneris utilized to capture surface features (e.g., shape, size, dimensions,appearance, etc.) of the subject. In another embodiment, a camera (e.g.,digital camera), video recorder (e.g., digital video recorder) or designtool known in the art is used to capture information (e.g., shape,scale, dimensions, color, etc.) related to a subject (e.g., a subject'sbody or portion(s) thereof (e.g., shin, thigh, leg, foot, ankle, arm,wrist, chest, neck, head, face, ear, waist, torso, etc.). In someembodiments, the invention utilizes a structural capture camera (e.g.,from LYNX Laboratories, Texas) to capture information (e.g., shape,scale, dimensions, color, etc.) related to a subject's body or portionthereof. In other embodiments, a digital camera (e.g., digital SLR,smartphone camera, compact digital camera, professional digital camera,etc.) in combination with a design tool (e.g., including, but notlimited to, 123D Catch (AUTODESK, Inc.); Relievos; Youspin, Dermendar,etc.) is used to capture data/information (e.g., shape, scale,dimensions, color, etc.). The captured data/information is stored on amemory component. As used herein, the terms “memory,” memory component,”“memory device” and the like are used to refer to computer memory typesincluding, but not limited to, random access memory (RAM) (e.g., DRAM(e.g., DDR, SDRAM), SRAM, T-RAM, Z-RAM, TTRAM) and read only memory(ROM) (e.g., mask ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEROM, NVRAM, flash memory) as wellas to the types of mechanical devices utilized to host/hold same (e.g.,magnetic tape, hard drive, optical drive, CD, DVD, and other storagemedia known in the art).

In some embodiments, captured information (e.g., shape, scale,dimensions, color, etc. of a subject of portion(s) thereof) is utilizedto generate a fly around scene (e.g., 360° view) of the subject (e.g.,including size, scale, dimensions and other features of a subject (e.g.,subject's body or portion(s) thereof upon which a wearable object may beworn). For example, in some embodiments, 360° hemispherical and/orspherical view of the subject or portion(s) thereof are generated (e.g.,using HTML5/FLASH (e.g., on a background (e.g., a white or transparentbackground)).

A subject's image data/information (e.g., acquired as described herein)is utilized to generate a virtual image of the subject. For example, insome embodiments, a subject's image data/information (e.g., subject'scaptured information (e.g., shape, scale, dimensions, color, etc.)related to a subject's body or portion(s) thereof) is converted into, orused to generate, a digital/virtual model (e.g., using computer-aideddesign (CAD) or other type of virtual drawing (e.g., of the subject'sbody or a portion(s) thereof)). The invention is not limited by the typeof software utilized. Indeed, any software useful for generation and/ormanipulation of virtual images may be used including, but not limitedto, software created and/or sold by AUTODESK, DASSAULT SYSTMES S.A., EXACorp., PTC, Inc., CIMATRON, Ltd., NEXTENGINE, Inc., ANSYS, Inc., FAROTechnologies, Inc., or other provider known in the art. Thus, in someembodiments, the invention utilizes CAD software to generate a virtualimage of a subject or portion(s) thereof. CAD software for virtual modelgeneration may use vector-based graphics (e.g., to generate and depict avirtual model the subject) and/or may use/produce raster graphics (e.g.,that depict overall appearance of virtual subject). In some preferredembodiments, the invention utilizes AUTOCAD (e.g., for desktopapplications, mobile applications, web-based applications, cloud-basedapplications, etc.) for generation and use of 2D and 3D virtual models.A virtual image/model (e.g., a virtual geometric model of a subject orportion(s) thereof generated utilizing CAD and/or computer-aidedgeometric design) provides access to specific sizing information of thesubject or portion(s) thereof. For example, in some embodiments, CAD isused to design a virtual image of a subject or portion thereofincluding, but not limited to, a subject's specific anatomicalstructures in two-dimensional (2D) space as well as a surface map of asubject or portion(s) thereof in three-dimensional (3D) space. In someembodiments, CAD is used to produce an animation and/or simulation of asubject.

In one embodiment, a 3D scanner is utilized to generate a virtual imageof a subject and/or object described herein. For example, in someembodiments, a subject's image data/information (e.g., subject'scaptured information (e.g., shape, scale, dimensions, color, etc.)related to a subject's body or portion(s) thereof) is captured and/orgenerated utilizing a 3D scanner (e.g., that creates a digital/virtualmodel of the subject's body or a portion(s) thereof)).

A 3D scanner may be used to create a point cloud of geometric samples onthe surface of the subject. These points can be used to extrapolate theshape of the subject (a process called reconstruction). If colorinformation is collected at each point, then the colors on the surfaceof the subject can also be determined.

3D scanners share several traits with cameras. Like cameras, they have acone-like field of view, and like cameras, they can collect informationabout surfaces that are not obscured. While a camera collects colorinformation about surfaces within its field of view, a 3D scannercollects distance information about surfaces within its field of view.The “picture” produced by a 3D scanner describes the distance to asurface at each point in the picture. This allows the three dimensionalposition of each point in the picture to be identified.

In one embodiment, a single scan is used to generated a virtual model.In another embodiment, a plurality (e.g., 2-10, 10-20, 20-40, 40-100,more than 100) of scans is used to generate a virtual model of a subjectand/or object. In embodiments where multiple scans are used to generatea virtual model, each scan can be aligned and/or registered (e.g., intoa common reference system) and then merged to create the virtual model.

The invention is not limited by the type of technology utilized toacquire the shape of a subject and/or object. In one embodiment, thetechnology is a contact technology (e.g., that probes a subject and/orobject through physical touch (e.g., using a carriage system with rigidarms held tightly in perpendicular relationship and each axis glidingalong a track, an articulated arm with rigid bones and high precisionangular sensors, and/or a combination thereof). In one embodiment, the3D scanner is a contact coordinate measuring machine. In another, thetechnology is a non-contact (e.g., active or inactive) technology. Inanother embodiment, the technology is a non-contact technology such asan active scanner (e.g., that emits a type of radiation or light todetect subject/object reflection or radiation passing through object inorder to probe an object or environment. The invention is not limited bythe type of active scanner. Indeed, any type of active scanner known inthe art may be utilized including, but not limited to, light (e.g.,structured light, modulated light), laser, ultrasound, x-ray, time offlight laser (lidar), or other type of active scanning known in the art.In one embodiment, the scanner is a computed tomography imaging device.In another embodiment, the scanner is a magnetic resonance imagingdevice. In one embodiment, the scanner is a passive, non-contact scannersuch as a stereoscopic system, photometric system, or a silhouettesystem.

The invention is not limited by the type of digital/virtual model. Insome embodiments, the digital model is a three dimensional (3D) model ofa subject's image data/information (e.g., captured data/informationrelated to the subject's body or portion thereof). In some embodiments,the digital model represents a functional capture of information relatedto a subject. For example, as described herein, the invention providesfunctional capture of information related to a subject and thegeneration of a 3D (e.g., a detailed 3D) model (e.g., includingcharacteristics such as, but not limited to, size, dimensions, scale,shape, color, or any recordable feature). In some embodiments, thedigital model is a digital surface model (DSM) (e.g., of the subject'sbody or portion(s) thereof). The invention is not limited by the type ofvirtual image created. Indeed, multiple types of virtual images find usein the invention including, but not limited to, three dimensional (3D)surface images, spin images (e.g., 360 degree horizontal image, 360degree vertical image, or a combination thereof (e.g., with subjectbeing the target in the middle of the image)), or other type of virtualimage described herein.

A virtual image/model (e.g., CAD or other type of virtual drawing (e.g.,of the subject's body or a portion(s) thereof)) can be stored (e.g.,temporarily or permanently) on a memory component. Once obtained, thevirtual image/model can be utilized (e.g., using computer-aided design(CAD) or other type of virtual drawing software) to generate specificsize and dimension information for a wearable article/object of theinvention (e.g., selected from an article/object set described below).For example, upon generation of a virtual image, in some embodiments,the virtual image is utilized to identify a part or parts of the subjectupon which a garment or wearable article described herein is to be worn.Once the part or parts of the subject upon which a garment or wearablearticle is to be worn is identified, in some embodiments, the virtualimage is utilized to generate custom sizing information (e.g., specificdimensions and measurements of the part or parts of the subject aredetermined using the virtual image (e.g., using a creation tool (e.g.,software)). In further embodiments, software is used for architecturalrendering, object modeling, digital measuring (e.g., to generate digitalmeasurement of a subject's body dimensions (e.g., all or a portion of asubject's body)). In some embodiments, a creation tool (e.g., software)is utilized to create a virtual, wearable object on a portion of a thevirtual subject image (e.g., a vest is virtually drawn over thesubject). In further embodiments, a visual representation of a wearableobject is generated using the creation tool (e.g., software) for a userto virtually pick out and choose (e.g., on a computer screen) exactlyhow the user wants the article/object to fit and look (e.g., prior tothe object being printed using a printer). In some embodiments, thewearable object is selected and customized from a database of objects(e.g., present within the creation tool). In other embodiments, thewearable object/article is created using software for a more “one of akind” item/fit (e.g., fit, appearance and/or feel). In some embodiments,the digital measurements are used to fit a wearable object in a nearlyperfect way upon a subject's body. In other embodiments, the digitalmeasurements are used to augment a portion of a subject's body (e.g., asubject's shoulders, chest, arms, legs, or other body part). In someembodiments, the digital measurements are used to reduce or slim aportion of a subject's body (e.g., a subject's waist, stomach, legs(e.g., via printing compression garments based upon a subject's actual,recorded body dimensions (e.g., that slim or reduce in appearance thesize a portion of the subject's body).

Accordingly, the invention provides using information generated from thevirtual image (e.g., shape and sizing information), to create a wearablearticle/object in a first, virtual sense (e.g., using a computer and/orsoftware a wearable article/object is virtually created) with subsequenttransfer of article/object information to a printer (e.g., a 3D printerdescribed herein) upon which the customized, wearable article/object isprinted. The printer may be directly connected to a computer thattransfers the article/object information, or a printer may be remotelylocated and accessible via a web-based or cloud-based application. Insome embodiments, the article/object information is directly importedinto software on the printer that executes the printing of thearticle/object.

The invention is not limited by the type of article/object. Indeed, anyobject/article that is desired to be worn may be generated utilizing thesystems and methods described herein. The customized, wearable articlesmay be a perfect fit or they may be generated in a size that enhances orreduces the physical appearance of a subject's body or body part(s). Insome embodiments, the wearable object is an article traditionally wornas clothing such as, but not limited to, shirt, blouse, vest, jacket,suit, pant, skirt, sock, hat, underwear, or other type of clothing. Inother embodiments, the wearable object is an article that is worn duringsport such as, but not limited to, athletic equipment (e.g., pads,guards (e.g., shin guards), helmets, protective cup, protective bra,mouth guard, masks, and the like). In still other embodiments, thearticle/object is a garment used for compression (e.g., for patients towear post-surgery, or for subjects that wish to appear thinner). In someembodiments, the object is a diaper (e.g., an adult diaper). In someembodiments, the article is a mouth guard. In some embodiments, theobject/article is a type of armor (e.g., used by a soldier). In someembodiments, the article is a mask (e.g., to change identity). Inanother embodiment, the mask is a safety mask or respirator (e.g., usedto prevent the spread of infectious disease). In another embodiment, theobject is a type of safety clothing or article (e.g., goggles, hazardousmaterials suit, etc.). In still other embodiments, the article isfootwear (e.g., boots (e.g., snow boots, ski boots, etc.) shoes,sandals, etc. In some embodiments, the article is a wetsuit or drysuit.In some embodiments, the object is body armor. In other embodiments, theobject is a body shield (e.g., that shields a person's body orportion(s) thereof from electrical energy, solar energy, x-ray energy,chemical energy, nuclear energy, etc). In some embodiments, the objectis padding for a sport such as soccer, football, hockey (e.g., ice,field, etc.), rugby, or any contact sport in which protectivepadding/guards are permitted.

In some embodiments, a wearable object of the invention is a splint,cast, brace, or other type of medically related object (e.g., that isworn to immobilize, stabilize or align a portion of a subject's body).In other embodiments, the object is a medical tool or device (e.g.,customized to fit a surgeon's or other type of doctor's hand (e.g., leftor right hand).

Because women's undergarments are mostly made for women with A-C cupbreast size with body sizes that fall into the category of small tolarge, there are large numbers of women that do not fall into one of theavailable sizes and for these women finding undergarments (e.g.,lingerie) that fit properly is a challenge. Accordingly, in someembodiments, the wearable object is lingerie that is custom fit to awoman's body or portion(s) thereof.

In some embodiments, the object/article is manufactured using a singletype of material. However, in other embodiments, the objet/articlecomprises multiple types of material in a single wearable object. Insome embodiments, the article/object is made of multiple parts with thesame or different material. The invention is not limited by the type ofarticle/object comprising two or more different types of material.Indeed, any object/article described herein may be manufactured tocomprise two or more (e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15,20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, or more different types ofmaterial in the article/object. For example, in some embodiments, thewearable object/article is a shirt made/printed with elastic material aswell as solid/rigid material (e.g., used as structure within shirt(e.g., to maintain or assist in maintaining a healthy posture of subjectwearing the shirt (e.g., used by individuals wishing to practice goodposture habits or in lieu of a brace traditionally worn by individualswith spinal scoliosis))). In other embodiments, customized athleticequipment is manufactured utilizing the processes and methods of theinvention. For example, football, hockey or other type of padding and/orhelmets may be manufactured according to the invention such that thepadding objects/articles contain two or more different types of material(e.g., a rigid, strong outer layer and a soft, rubber-like soft innerlayer). The different types of materials may be present in a singlelayer, or, in other embodiments, different layers are used for each ofthe different materials. The thickness (or thinness) of a layer may beany thickness at which a printer is able to print the material (e.g.,anywhere between about 10 microns to about 5 or more inches thick,although thinner, more fine (e.g., less than 10 microns thick) as wellas thicker (e.g., greater than 5 inches) layers may be used.

The invention is not limited by the type of material used for printing awearable object/article. Indeed, the art knows well that many materialsexist for use in printing (e.g., 3D printing). Materials may be anyrubber, rigid, opaque (e.g., an any desired color), transparent, or anyother type of material available in the art. Indeed, any materialavailable in the art (e.g., carbon fiber, fiberglass, nylon,thermoplastic, rubber, metal, wood, limestone, etc.) may be utilized inthe systems and methods of the invention.

In some embodiments, a material used is specifically chosen such that anobject/article, when manufactured with the material, acts to reflectand/or block means of sensing (e.g., infrared sensor, heat sensor,biometric sensor, etc.) the presence and or state of a subject. In sucha way, a subject may utilize one or more articles/objects of theinvention in order to remain undetected (e.g., subject who wisheshis/her presence remains undetected or who wishes his/her biometricstate remains undetected) in certain environments. Similarly, wigs,masks or other types of articles/objects may be generated according tothe invention and utilized by a subject in order to elude identificationof the presence and/or biometric state of the subject.

In some embodiments, a material utilized in the manufacture/printing ofan object/article is a stretchable material. The material utilized inthe manufacture/printing of an object/article may be an antimicrobialmaterial (e.g., due to the shape and/or consistency of the materialused). In other embodiments, the material utilized in themanufacture/printing of an object/article is an absorbent material(e.g., for articles/objects that serve as diaper (e.g., adult diaper)).In some embodiments, the material utilized in the manufacture/printingof an object/article is chosen due to its elasticity, comfort and/orstrength. The material utilized in the systems and methods of theinvention (e.g., for printing an article/object) can be any materialcapable of being printed that is available, or that becomes available,in the art.

Printers utilized in the systems and methods of the invention are knownin the art and include, but are not limited to, printers manufactured,designed, and/or sold by STRATASYS, Inc., MARK FORG3D, HEWLETT-PACKARD,Inc., MAKERBOT, Inc., 3D-SYSTEMS, Corp., The EXONE Company, VOXELJET AG,GROUP GORGE, Inc., CAMTEK LTD., ORGANOVO Holdings, Inc., or any otherprinter provider known in the art.

In some embodiments, articles/objects are created/customized and printedlocally. In other embodiments, articles objects are created/customizedon a user's computer, and then sent to and/or printed at a remoteprinter (e.g., from an on-line manufacturing and/or distributionfacility).

The methods and systems described herein can be implemented in numerousways. In one embodiment, the methods involve use of a communicationsinfrastructure, for example the internet. Several embodiments of theinvention are disclosed and described herein (e.g., that utilize theinternet). However, the invention is not so limited. It is also to beunderstood that the present invention may be implemented in variousforms of hardware, software, firmware, processors, distributed servers(e.g., as used in cloud computing) or a combination thereof, whethersuch computers and/or servers are located locally or accessible over theinternet. The methods and systems described herein can be implemented asa combination of hardware and software. The software can be implementedas an application program tangibly embodied on a program storage device,or different portions of the software implemented in the user'scomputing environment (e.g., as an applet) and on the 3D printer servicecomputing environment, where the 3D printer service may be located at aremote site (e.g., accessible via the internet) or locally (e.g., over alocal area network connection).

For example, during or after acquisition of image data and/or virtualimage (e.g., regarding an object or a subjects body or portion thereof),portions of the data processing can be performed in thesubject/user-side computing environment. For example, thesubject/user-side computing environment can be programmed to provide avirtual object and/or object set (e.g., groups of similar objects);processing of data (e.g., using a creation tool that allowscustomization of the object according to image data encoded in a virtualimage), where the processed data is transmitted as processed orpartially processed responses to the creation tool of thesubject/user-side computing environment in the form computer readablescript (e.g., for subsequent printing of a customized object (e.g., on a3D printer located on a LAN or accessible over the internet).

The programs for executing algorithms described herein may be uploadedto, and executed by, a machine comprising any suitable architecture. Ingeneral, the machine involves a computer platform having hardware suchas one or more central processing units (CPU), a random access memory(RAM), and input/output (I/O) interface(s). The computer platform alsoincludes an operating system and microinstruction code. The variousprocesses and functions described herein may either be part of themicroinstruction code or part of the application program (or acombination thereof) which is executed via the operating system. Inaddition, various other peripheral devices may be connected to thecomputer platform such as an additional data storage device and a 3Dprinting device.

As a computer system, the system generally includes a processor unit.The processor unit operates to receive information, which generallyincludes image data and/or virtual image information (e.g., specificsize, shape, scale, dimension, color, etc.), virtual object/articleinformation, and/or creation tool information. Information received canbe stored at least temporarily in a database (e.g., locally orremotely).

Part or all of the input and output data can also be sentelectronically; certain output data can be sent electronically ortelephonically (e.g., by facsimile, e.g., using devices such as faxback). Exemplary output receiving devices can include a display element,3D printer, a facsimile device and the like. Electronic forms oftransmission and/or display can include email, interactive television,and the like. In some embodiments, all or a portion of the input dataand/or all or a portion of the output data are maintained on a serverfor access. The results may be accessed or sent to third parties (e.g.,third party printers) as desired.

A system for use in the methods described herein generally includes atleast one computer processor (e.g., where the method is carried out inits entirety at a single site) or at least two networked computerprocessors (e.g., where image data and/or virtual image information areobtained at one site) and transmitted to a remote site to a secondcomputer processor for analysis (e.g., a computer that houses virtualarticle or article sets, a creation tool, etc.), where the first andsecond computer processors are connected by a network (e.g., via anintranet or internet). The system can also include a user component(s)for input; and a reviewer component(s) for review of data, andgeneration of reports. Additional components of the system can include aserver component(s); and a database(s) for storing data (e.g., as in adatabase of virtual image information and/or article or article sets orcreation tool information). The computer processors can be processorsthat are typically found in personal desktop computers (e.g., IBM, Dell,Macintosh), portable computers, mainframes, minicomputers, tabletcomputer, smart phone, or other computing devices.

The input components can be complete, stand-alone personal computers(e.g., connected to image data acquisition means (e.g., a 3D scanner,camera, other device described herein) offering a full range of powerand features to run applications. The user component can operate underany desired operating system and includes a communication element (e.g.,a modem or other hardware for connecting to a network using a cellularphone network, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, etc.), one or more inputdevices (e.g., a keyboard, mouse, keypad, or other device used totransfer information or commands), a storage element (e.g., a hard driveor other computer-readable, computer-writable storage medium), and adisplay element (e.g., a monitor, television, LCD, LED, or other displaydevice that conveys information to the user). The user enters inputcommands into the computer processor through an input device. In oneembodiment, the user interface is a graphical user interface (GUI)(e.g., written for web browser applications).

The server component(s) can be a personal computer, a minicomputer, or amainframe, or distributed across multiple servers (e.g., as in cloudcomputing applications) and offers data management, information sharingbetween clients, network administration and security. The applicationand any databases used can be on the same or different servers. Othercomputing arrangements for the user and server(s), including processingon a single machine such as a mainframe, a collection of machines, orother suitable configuration are contemplated. In general, the user andserver machines work together to accomplish the processing of thepresent invention.

Where used, a database(s) is usually connected to a database servercomponent and can be any device which will hold data. For example, adatabase can be any magnetic or optical storing device for a computer(e.g., CDROM, internal hard drive, tape drive). The database can belocated remote to the server component (with access via a network,modem, etc.) or locally to the server component.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the present invention provides asystem, method, and software that permits a user to create a customizedobject/article locally (e.g., using means described herein for capturingsubject data/information, transfer and/or downloading of the subjectdata/information (e.g., regarding a subject's body or portion(s)thereof) to a local or remote pc, means described herein for convertingthe subject data/information into a virtual image (e.g., using a 3Dscanner or use of AUTOCAD or similar software described herein to createa virtual image on the local pc), means of using the virtual image tocreate a customized, virtual article/object on the local pc (e.g., usinga software/creation tool on the local pc (e.g., that permits creating anarticle/object and/or for selecting an article/object from a list andcustomizing the article/object based upon the virtual image), sendingthe virtual article/object to a local printer (e.g., connected directlyto the local pc), printing the article/object and subsequently enjoyingthe ability to use (e.g., wear) the article/object (e.g., as shown inthe process flow diagram of FIG. 1 ).

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a system, method,and software that permit a user to create a customized object/article(e.g., using means described herein for capturing subjectdata/information, transfer and/or downloading of the subjectdata/information (e.g., regarding a subject's body or portion(s)thereof) to a remote data server, means described herein for convertingthe subject data/information into a virtual image (e.g., use of a 3Dscanner or use of AUTOCAD or similar software described herein to createa virtual image on the remote data server), means of using the virtualimage to create a customized, virtual article/object (e.g., using asoftware/creation tool (e.g., that permits creating an article/objectand/or for selecting an article/object from a list and customizing thearticle/object based upon the virtual image), sending the virtualarticle/object to a printer (e.g., local and/or remote printer (e.g.,connected via the internet), printing of the article/object (e.g.,locally or remotely), and if printed remotely, shipping of thearticle/object to a subject.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, the system 200includes a software/creation tool 202 located on a retailer/developercomputer 201 used by retailers and/or developers of article/objects tocreate a computer-readable script (e.g., encoding the virtualarticle/object), described herein, for the customizable article/object.In some embodiments, the software/creation tool 202 comprises a softwareprogram that runs on the developer's/retailer's computer 201, a local pc(e.g., as described above), or on a server 205 (e.g., a data server)connected (e.g., via a network (e.g., the internet 230)) todeveloper's/retailer's computer 201. In some embodiments, the system 200comprises a data server 205 that contains subject virtual image storage206, virtual article/object storage 207, script storage 208,developer/retailer interface 209 and/or a web server interface 210. Insome embodiments, the software/creation tool 202 interfaces with thedata server 205 via a developer interface 209, whereas a subjectdesiring object/article (e.g., an end user of the system) can usesubject's computer 211 to interface with the data server 205 via theinternet 230 and web server interface 210.

In some embodiments, the system 200 includes a print/order managementserver 220 that receives and/or processes computer-readable script(e.g., print/order management server 220 receives and processes scriptencoding the virtual article/object (e.g., created by user and/orcustomized by user using article/object from a list) and sendsinstructions to printer(s) 225 via a printer interface 223 to printarticle/object). In some embodiments, the print/order management server220 stores script encoding the virtual article/object in script storage221. A subject desiring object/article (e.g., an end user of the system)211 can interface with system 200 via the internet 230 and web serverinterface 224. The print/order management server 220 can interface witha retailer via retailer interface 222. The print/order management server220 may be accessible locally (e.g., directly connected to a subject'scomputer or available in a LAN) or be accessible remotely (e.g., via theinternet 230). The invention is not limited by the components of thefeatures of the system shown in FIG. 2 . Indeed, various systems can beutilized together with the methods and systems of the invention. Forexample, in one embodiment, systems and methods of the invention areutilized together with methods of authenticating or printing an objectas described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 20140156053A1, publishedJun. 5, 2014.

Similarly, the invention is not limited by the type of article/object orthe way in which a subject utilizes the systems provided herein. In someembodiments, a retailer/developer creates one or more virtualarticles/objects (e.g., a virtual article/object set (e.g., any one ormore of which is customized (e.g., using subject virtual data and acreation tool) by a subject/user to create a customized wearablearticle/object). The article/object set includes at least one basearticle/object image (e.g., virtual image) that can have zero or moreother graphical features/elements that can be added to the basearticle/object image(s). Using software creation tool 202, aretailer/developer creates a computer-readable script file thatspecifies how to generate an image based on article/object image set. Inparticular, the computer-readable script can reference thearticle/object image set and specify (i) a plurality of variables thatcan be inputted by a user and (ii) the way such variables are used tocustomize the article/object. Variables include, but are not limited to,size, shape, texture, material, layering, etc. (e.g. that can be addedto and/or used to modify the article/object image). In one embodiment,the script file created by developer/retailer includes a default valuefor each of the variables (e.g., default values based on averagesize/dimension in a population, or default values based uponsize/dimensions information present in an acquired 3D image of subject'sbody or portion thereof). The computer-readable script can also includeinstructions for generating a graphical user interface via which a usercan modify the variable article/object data in the script. In preferredembodiments, the computer readable script includes instructions forusing specific dimension and sizing measurement information/dataregarding the part or parts of a subject obtained from subject virtualimage/model (e.g., obtained from 3D scanner and/or from SOLIDWORKS,AUTOCAD or similar software). In this way the computer readable scriptallows a user to utilize a subject's image data/information (e.g.,subject's captured information (e.g., shape, scale, size, dimensions,color, etc.) related to a subject's body or portion(s) thereof ofsubject virtual image/model) to modify/customize (e.g., via a graphicaluser interface) the variable article/object data in the script.

In some embodiments, the software creation tool 202 generates multipleresolutions of the article/object set, ranging from a high-resolutionversion (e.g., used for printing the article/object) to lower-resolutionversions (e.g., used for downloading to a web browser). Adeveloper/retailer can provide the script and article/object set to thedata sever 205 via the developer interface 209, and the data server 205can store the script file and article/object set.

In some embodiments, when a user's computer requests one or more webpages provided by data server 205 via web server interface related toarticle/object customization, the data server 205 downloads the scriptfile and the article/object set with the webpage(s). User's web browser,in some embodiments, runs the computer-readable script and generates agraphical user interface based on the computer-readable script. User canmodify the variable article/object data (size, shape, texture, material,layering, etc.) in the script file via the graphical user interface. Inone embodiment, generating the graphical user interface includesdisplaying a template, or starting version, for the customizablearticle/object using a default setting in the script file. The user isthen able to customize the template via the graphical user interface. Bymodifying the template in the graphical user interface, the user isediting the script file. As the user makes changes, the changes areillustrated in the graphical user interface, and saved (e.g., locally orremotely) in the script file.

In some embodiments, when a user elects to save the customizedarticle/object, the modified script file is sent back to data server205. In some embodiments, when a user elects to save the customizedarticle/object, the modified script file is saved on a local computer(e.g., it is not sent back to the data server). All user changes arereflected in the modified script file (user modified script file). Insome embodiments, the data server stores user modified script files foreach specific user such that a user can at some point in the futurere-access the user modified script file (e.g., in order to re-order orto re-customize the article/object). In an alternate embodiment of theinvention, every time a user makes a change to the script file via thegraphical user interface, the change is automatically saved on the dataserver.

In some embodiments, a user orders an article/object. In otherembodiments, a user can elect to share the customized article/objectwith others (e.g., via the internet). In some embodiments, in responseto a user ordering an article/object, the print/order management servercoordinates the printing of the article/object using the user modifiedscript file (e.g., stored on the data server). The user modified scriptfile can be utilized to print the article/object on any printeraccessible to the print/order management server (e.g., via theinternet). In some embodiments, a unique identifier is created by theprint/order management server to more readily identify a user modifiedscript file and/or for security (e.g., identification) reasons. Infurther embodiments, the unique identifier (e.g., URL) is sent to aprinting vendor (e.g., the print vendor is sent a URL that includes aunique identifier for a user modified script file) and the printingvendor prints the article/object only when the vendor clicks the URL. Insome embodiments, a user directly instruct a vendor's printer to printan article/object (e.g., encoded by a user modified script (e.g.,present on a data server or on a user's computer)). In otherembodiments, a user instructs a vendor that the user would like anarticle/object (e.g., encoded by a user modified script (e.g., presenton a data server or on a user's computer), and the vendor instructs avendor's printer to print the article/object. Once an article/object isprinted, any means of shipping the article/object known in the art canbe used to deliver the article/object (e.g., to a user or elsewhere(e.g., using couriers such as DHL, FEDEX, UPS, USPS, or other courier)).

In another embodiment, a retailer, merchant or other type of providercan provide and/or charge a user for any one or more of the varioussteps of the methods described herein. For example, a retailer, in oneembodiment, can make available to a user a virtual article/object set(e.g., via a website) for a charge. In another embodiment, a retailercan allow a user to print an article on a retailer's 3D printer (e.g.,accessed via the internet) and subsequently ship the printed article tothe user. The invention is not limited by the means used to pay for thearticle/object. Indeed, any means known in the art can be usedincluding, but not limited to, cash, check, credit card, PAYPAL,BITCOIN, or the like. For example, to the extent that a subjectinteracts with other servers and/or computers (e.g., via the internet),servers and/or computers may contain software and/or products thatmonitor, record and invoice a subject for work performed on theserver/computer or connected peripherals (e.g., printing ofarticle/garment on a 3D printer), and/or for the shipping of materials.

Various modifications and variations of the described compositions andmethods of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Althoughthe invention has been described in connection with specific preferredembodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimedshould not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed,various modifications of the described modes for carrying out theinvention that are obvious to those skilled in the relevant fields areintended to be within the scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of manufacturing a customized wearable article comprising: a) obtaining image data regarding a subject's body or portion thereof, wherein the image data comprises information selected from shape, size, scale and dimension; b) creating a three dimensional (3D) virtual image of the subject's body or portion thereof using the image data regarding the subject's body or portion thereof; c) modifying the 3D virtual image in order to augment, reduce, or otherwise change a feature of the subject's body or portion thereof; and d) utilizing the modified 3D virtual image to create a virtual customized wearable article comprising:
 1. selecting a virtual wearable article from an article set;
 2. customizing the virtual wearable article utilizing the modified virtual image of the subject of step (c); and
 3. printing the virtual customized wearable article using a three dimensional (3D) printer to create the customized wearable article.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the image data regarding the subject's body or portion thereof is acquired by a 3D scanner and is transferred to a computer aided design (CAD) program.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the CAD program is used for modifying the 3D virtual image.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the step of customizing the virtual wearable article utilizing the modified 3D virtual image comprises the step of customizing a feature of the virtual wearable article selected from size, shape, and/or thickness.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the article comprises a single type of material, two or more types of material, and/or two or more layers.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein a creation tool is utilized to create a computer readable script that includes information regarding the modified 3D virtual image.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the computer readable script identifies the virtual wearable article from the article set and utilizes the image data of the modified 3D virtual image to customize the virtual wearable article.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein the computer readable script encodes a graphical user interface through which a user can modify virtual wearable article data in the computer readable script.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of customizing the virtual wearable article utilizing the modified 3D virtual image utilizes software, located on a local computer or on a remote retailer's server accessible via the internet, that modifies a virtual wearable article from an article set with information selected from size, shape, scale and dimension encoded within the modified 3D virtual image.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein information encoding the virtual wearable article is stored on a retailer's data server.
 11. A customized wearable article generated by the method of claim
 1. 12. The customized wearable article of claim 11, wherein the customized wearable article reduces the apparent size of the subject's waist when worn by the subject.
 13. The customized wearable article of claim 11, wherein the customized wearable article augments the apparent size of the subject's chest when worn by the subject. 